What to do with my SDA SRS 2.3's

ox1216
ox1216 Posts: 49
edited December 2008 in Vintage Speakers
I've had these SDA SRS 2.3's for 4 years and they work great. The only thing I have powerin them is a Sony str915E reciever at about 110watts per channel. I just moved the speakers into my dedicated room wich is 13'x24'. Something is missing though. Do I need a amp, or should I swap them out for a set of B & W speakers. My SDA SRS 2.3's just don't seem to be that clear. Thanks guys
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited December 2008
    Sell them to me and get the B&W`s ...:D
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
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    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited December 2008
    You need an amp for sure. Look at Adcom for a used amp that will power them nicely. You can get a GFA-555 for <$300.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited December 2008
    or,, you could build aAI-1 dreadnought,,, buy a pair of big a$$ mono's, then you're golden. :)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited December 2008
    beardog03 wrote: »
    Sell them to me and get the B&W`s ...:D

    Beardog, you're in no condition to be lifting anything heavy!! :rolleyes:;)

    ox, sell them to me. :D:D:D:D ;):cool:
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
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  • bsoko2
    bsoko2 Posts: 1,449
    edited December 2008
    More power and use the A1 cable for sure! I have a set and am powering them with my Pio '94 with 140 wpc. Soon, I will move to bi-amp at 200 watts per.

    Bill
    My 2012 HT Room - http://www.avsforum.com/t/1416077/bsoko2-new-ht-june-2012
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,461
    edited December 2008
    where are you located... I'll come and get them... lol
    John
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • ox1216
    ox1216 Posts: 49
    edited December 2008
    Im southern Maryland. . . . what is a good rice for them?
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  • Poee7R
    Poee7R Posts: 904
    edited December 2008
    Lasareath wrote: »
    you need at least 600 watts per channel for that sized room

    Nah you really wouldnt. That's roughly the size of my living room, I ran my 2.3tl's off of a single 555mkII. And to be honest, I could make people run out of the room with the amount of sound pressure that could come out of those speakers. With alot more left to give at that.

    I've run them off of a 545 also. Which surprised the hell out of me with how well it could drive them at loud levels. Not quite as loud as the 555 of course, but it would be hard to notice until you come to the line of no return with the 545. And I still think the 545 sounds better than its big brother. And now with my new Anthem.... well thats for another thread. :cool:

    Not to say one or the other will sound better. But mine sounded damn good.

    So yes, you will need a proper amplifier to power them correctly. But you wouldn't need more than a couple hundred watts to get them screaming.


    Dave
    Once again we meet at last.
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  • Poee7R
    Poee7R Posts: 904
    edited December 2008
    ox1216 wrote: »
    Im southern Maryland. . . . what is a good rice for them?

    Zatarans Dirty, with a bit of sausage and shrimp.

    Throw some extra Tabasco in there and they'll be happy.

    :D


    Dave
    Once again we meet at last.
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  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited December 2008
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    where are you located... I'll come and get them... lol
    John

    Hey, no cuttin' - to the back of the line...;)
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited December 2008
    ox1216 wrote: »
    I've had these SDA SRS 2.3's for 4 years and they work great. The only thing I have powerin them is a Sony str915E reciever at about 110watts per channel. I just moved the speakers into my dedicated room wich is 13'x24'. Something is missing though. Do I need a amp, or should I swap them out for a set of B & W speakers. My SDA SRS 2.3's just don't seem to be that clear. Thanks guys

    B&W and POLK SDA's are two totally different types of speakers. Definately add a amp and also look into possibly a tweeter and/or croosover upgrade.
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  • ox1216
    ox1216 Posts: 49
    edited December 2008
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    B&W and POLK SDA's are two totally different types of speakers. Definately add a amp and also look into possibly a tweeter and/or croosover upgrade.


    What would you say makes them so different? I was in Myer Emco for a demo and couldn't believe how clear the B& W's sounded. I honestly hate to get rid of them, but my brother has B7W's and his room sounds awesome. I can't let him out do me. Would a 2 200 watt stackable amps my Outlawaudio do the trick?

    -ALan
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited December 2008
    I am pretty sure that you would need the A1 interface cable. Outlaw is a decent amp, but Like said above an Adcom GFA-555 would be a real cheap perfectly capable amp to drive those SDA's. It's not about watts. It's about current;)
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited December 2008
    ox1216 wrote: »
    What would you say makes them so different? I was in Myer Emco for a demo and couldn't believe how clear the B& W's sounded. I honestly hate to get rid of them, but my brother has B7W's and his room sounds awesome. I can't let him out do me. Would a 2 200 watt stackable amps my Outlawaudio do the trick?

    -ALan

    You have not heard what those 2.3's are capable of if you've been driving them with a Sony receiver.
    What are you looking for, a HT or a 2 channel rig? If 2 channel, then I can tell you that Sony receiver will limit you, no matter what speakers you use.

    Get a decent pre + amp and only then you can decide if you like your 2.3's.
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  • ox1216
    ox1216 Posts: 49
    edited December 2008
    Ricardo wrote: »
    You have not heard what those 2.3's are capable of if you've been driving them with a Sony receiver.
    What are you looking for, a HT or a 2 channel rig? If 2 channel, then I can tell you that Sony receiver will limit you, no matter what speakers you use.

    Get a decent pre + amp and only then you can decide if you like your 2.3's.


    Strickly home theater
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  • ox1216
    ox1216 Posts: 49
    edited December 2008
    ben62670 wrote: »
    I am pretty sure that you would need the A1 interface cable. Outlaw is a decent amp, but Like said above an Adcom GFA-555 would be a real cheap perfectly capable amp to drive those SDA's. It's not about watts. It's about current;)


    Is the A1 interface cable the black cable that connects the two speakers to each other? If so I have that one
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,461
    edited December 2008
    mmadden28 wrote: »
    Hey, no cuttin' - to the back of the line...;)

    sorry, but we're talkin SDA here... I ain't to proud TA BEG!!!
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited December 2008
    A1 interface cable (I believe) lets you run your SDA speakers from a non-common ground amp. (an amp with common grounds is required for SDA's and by their nature - monoblocks are not common ground)
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited December 2008
    OX, how far are you from Mt. Airy?? If not too far, I'd be happy to drag a Carver TFM-35 (250wpc@8 & 400wpc@4ohms) to your place so that you could get an idea of their potential. If you're not convinced after that...I'll haul them away for no charge!!:D I always thought that the few B&Ws that I've ever heard sounded a touch flat and lifeless. YMMV Geoff
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,085
    edited December 2008
    Honestly, with a Sony AVR......that's the issue right there. Period.

    The SDA's will reward you with sound quality (as would the B&W's) that is a reflection of your gear upstream. Garbage in / Garbage out.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited December 2008
    Nothing wrong with finding a good clean Parasound HCA series. They sound better than Adcoms imo, and go for the same price range.
    "SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
    CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE"
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited December 2008
    ND13 wrote: »
    Nothing wrong with finding a good clean Parasound HCA series. They sound better than Adcoms imo, and go for the same price range.

    +1 to that info. I have adcom GFA-7807 and Parasound HCA-2205 (3 of them) and Parasound HCA-2205 sounded better at low volume levels even though GFA-7807 has more power at higher volume. Go with Parasound and still same price range to the Adcom.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • ox1216
    ox1216 Posts: 49
    edited December 2008
    megasat16 wrote: »
    +1 to that info. I have adcom GFA-7807 and Parasound HCA-2205 (3 of them) and Parasound HCA-2205 sounded better at low volume levels even though GFA-7807 has more power at higher volume. Go with Parasound and still same price range to the Adcom.



    Where would be the best place to look?
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited December 2008
    I would not encourage you to look on Fleabay but I got two on mine from it (both for local pickup). I paid around $1000 each but these are mint units with very minimum scratches and sounds great. Buying on eBay would be a hassle depending on your experiences but if you must buy on eBay, please be sure you are paying with a credit card and the seller has a solid feedback for more than 100.

    I think the used Parasound amps pop up in forums as well but I would suggest you to apply the same caution to buy in Forums and from Craiglist as well.

    If you are looking for the Parasound amp, please look for HCA 3500 (350W x 2 ch) that is only 2 channel but more power than my HCA 2205 which is only 225W x 5 channels. From what I heard, the newer Halo series amps rocks as well. The reason I like the HCA 2205 or HCA 3500 are class A biased with Class AB designs and some first few watts (3 watts and 7 watts, I think) are pure Class A. Then, these amp becomes Class AB if you crank up the volume pass that wattage. Somebody please fill me in if I am wrong with the Class A wattage here.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited December 2008
    Lasareath wrote: »
    you need at least 600 watts per channel for that sized room

    That's a ridiculous suggestion.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    edited December 2008
    are the old or the TL? Might need the tweeter upgrade?
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited December 2008
    For some reason, more 2.3s, 2.3TLs, and SRS2s have been on the market this last year. I remember having to drive all the way to B-More to get my SRS 2s, now they seem to be coming out of the woodwork. What gives? The wifes finally putting their feet down and making the men get sat/subs?
    "SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
    CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE"
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited December 2008
    ox1216 wrote: »
    do i need a amp,

    yes!
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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